The YES offers Vancouver Island, British Columbia summer camp programs for 14-18 year olds. Expand your leadership and team building skills while connecting with youth from around the province. We look forward to providing community spaces that focus on building leadership, resiliency, connection, mental wellness and more.

Camp

Pathways A

Roots A

Roots B

Pathways B

Pathways C

Roots C

Roots D*

Date

July 6 - 12

July 13 - 19

July 20 - 26

July 27 - Aug 2

Aug 3 - 9

Aug 10 - 16

Aug 17 - 23

Current Grade

Grade 10 - 12

Grade 8 - 10

Grade 10 - 12

Grade 8 - 10

Grade 9 - 11

Registration Status

OPEN

Current grade refers to grade at the time of registration.

Registration Now Open!

For smooth registration, please click the button above to create an account, add in your youth as a child, and review program dates.

We can't wait to see you in the Summer of 2025!

*Similar programming occurs at all our Roots Camps and Pathways Camps, respectively. If you are an older youth thinking about signing up for Pathways but have not attended the YES, please register for Roots D for an introduction to our program.

Pathways Camps are for returning participants only.

It's very important to us to make sure that camp fees are accessible. If you're in need of financial support click here or contact us at info@theyes.ca.

Please email info@theyes.ca for waitlist details or space inquiries.

summer
Camp

Roots Camps

What do we do? Roots is the first level of The YES Program and focuses on bringing together youth to create a strong, supportive, amazing community with everyone involved. Participants can expect to spend a week being themselves, learning about themselves, and making lifelong friends in the process. Focusing on the values of self-awareness, communication, leadership and co-operation, these retreats are a powerful introduction to co-operative youth leadership in a stimulating wilderness setting. Right on Cowichan Lake, the camps also include options for many outdoor activities including canoeing, soccer, and ultimate frisbee. For more information, take a look at a typical day at YES camp and some of our favourite camp activities!

Who should sign up? Our Roots program is intended for new and returning participants or participants who flourish in younger age groups. If you are an older youth thinking about signing up for Pathways but have not attended the YES, please register for our Roots D Camp for an introduction to our program.

Note: Participants must have completed grade 8 before attending The YES in the summertime.

Pathways Camps

What do we do? Pathways is the next step up from our Roots programs. Participants take on greater responsibility and are challenged to expand their leadership, self-awareness, and team-building skills in the spirit of fun and friendship. This camp gives participants a chance to become an even closer community, having already met each other at the Roots level. For more information, take a look at a typical day at YES camp and some of our favourite camp activities!

Who should sign up? This program is for older youth who have attended a Roots camp already (prior YES experience is required). If you haven't attended The YES before and are older, please sign up for our Roots D camp for an introduction to our program. If you are in Grade 10 and have attended The YES before, we encourage you to sign up for Pathways or be in touch about which program is right for you.

Note: If you are interested in attending a Pathways camp but have not attended a Roots, please be in touch with us at info@theyes.ca to discuss options.

Grad Camps

What do we do? Grad is the last stop on your YES Camp journey. Participants spend a final week diving deeper into self-discovery, team-building, and mentorship while creating memories that will last a lifetime. This program is a culminating experience, building on the skills and friendships formed through Roots and Pathways. Participants will reflect on their leadership journeys, celebrate their growth, and prepare for life beyond camp. Grad Camp offers deeper opportunities for self-discovery, mentorship, and team-building in a fun, supportive, and close-knit environment. This unique program is a chance to honour your time at The YES, strengthen lifelong connections, and take the next steps with confidence and pride.

Who should sign up? This program is for returning participants who have attended at least one Pathways Camp and are ready to graduate from our summer camp programs. If you are in Grade 11 or 12 and have attended Pathways and are ready to graduate out of our programs this is the camp for you.

Note: Participants must have attended Pathways prior to signing up for Grad Camp. If you are in Grade 11 or 12 but have not previously attended camp please be in touch with us at info@theyes.ca and we can discuss options.

Camp Fees

2025 Camp Rate Total: $1025.00

Camp Fees: $975.00
Registration Fee: $50.00

Standard camp fees are due two weeks prior to the start of the registered camp date unless an arrangement has been made with the office or sponsors. Please see our camp policies for further information on refunds. All camp cancellations are subject to a $25.00 non-refundable fee for administrative purposes.

Payment Plans & Sponsorships

The YES makes every effort to make camp accessible to everyone, and we understand that camp fees may be a challenge for many families. To help with the cost of camp, monthly payment plans are available within our registration process, which can be customized further by date and amount via the office.

Financial subsidies from The YES and sponsorships from many BC Co-ops and Credit Unions are also available. More information about sponsorship is available here.

New Referral Program: If you refer a brand new participant to The YES, you and your referral receive $25.00 off your program fees. This program is only available for individuals intending to pay for camp costs without sponsorship and/or subsidy. To find out if you and your referral are eligible, email info@theyes.ca.

Location & Transportation

All camps take place at Cowichan Lake Outdoor Education and Conference Centre on Vancouver Island.

Learn more about this beautiful site here!

All transportation to camps, excluding ferry fare, is included in the camper fee. Pick-up and drop-off are available from Kelowna*, Merritt*, Abbotsford, Vancouver, Horseshoe Bay and Nanaimo. Participants must get themselves to one of these locations or be dropped off directly at the site. More information about transportation is available here.

*Note: *Please note that transportation stops in the Interior are subject to change based on registration numbers and the number of participants at each pick-up location. If changes are necessary due to minimum attendance requirements, details will be communicated via email in advance. If you are concerned about transportation, please reach out, and we are happy to work with you to help get participants to camp.

Questions

Please contact us with any questions at 604-960-1377 or info@theyes.ca.

Registration for camps close two weeks before each start date, with some exceptions. If you're interested in a camp that is closed, please send us a message to inquire for room.

View more information about health and safety, and general inquires under our FAQ.